I shook my head. That fucker. “No. I got this.” Our competitiveness even fizzled down to who could grill meat the best.
“I hope so. Wouldn’t want dinner night to be a disaster.”
“Lucky for you, it won’t.”
I grabbed the platter of steaks and some tongs and headed out back, Nick followed behind me. “Where’s Theo?”
“On her way.” I laid the steaks out on the metal grid hearing the sizzle and fire rise.
He pulled out his phone and set the timer. “No more than four minutes on each side,” he added. I nodded. Whatever went on between us, he was still my best friend.
“You doing okay?”
Nick smirked at my question. I did too. I never asked my friends about feelings. Who the fuck was I? “Are we having a moment, Roman? You falling in love has gotten you all emotional and shit.”
“I guess I am, huh?” Baffled, I scratched my chin and stared down at the grill.
He downed half the bottle of beer and tapped me on the arm. “I’m good, man. Just trying to get ready for finals.”
“Right,” I said knowing his excuse was as flimsy as the leaf that floated by us from a wind gust. Nick was not someone who gave much thought about studying. But whatever. The timer went off, and I flipped the steaks.
And our fucking heart-to-heart was over when we started talking about what else? Football. After a few minutes of shooting the breeze about yesterday’s practice, I took the meat off the grill and went inside.
Theodora passed through the front door wearing a cute strappy sundress with her blond hair in a ponytail.
My eyes lit up, and I had to keep from stalking over and carrying her off like a caveman. I mean, I could at least feed her first.
“It’s smells delicious,” she said as she skipped up to me wrapping her arms around my waist.
“You smell delicious.” I consumed her plump lips. “And taste delicious too.”
“Get a room,” Dmitri commented behind me sounding like one of the villians in Die Hard. Homie was one to talk.
Theodora’s cheeks bloomed pink as usual making my ass turn sappy. Everything about her converted me into a lovesick puppy, but I owned up to it. It’s not like I was trying to hide my feelings for her. Not to mention, I took a lot of shit from my friends about how possessive I was. Shrugs. Never denied that either.
After dinner, Theodora pushed her chair back, jumping up. “Oh, I got you something.” She rushed over to her purse.
“Maybe it’s a restraining order,” Axel joked as the guys snorted and chuckled.
I reached out to my left and shoved him hard.
Theo shook her head ignoring them with her hands behind her back hiding whatever it was. However, the motion made her tits strain against the fabric of her dress, and my dick perked up. Now I just wanted to unwrap her. “Close your eyes,” she said softly with all her attention. Like we were the only two in the room. Like there weren’t three jackasses sitting around the table trying to hold in their snickering. Surprisingly, they were quiet. And I shut my eyes.
She tugged on my left hand. “Don’t peek,” she warned.
“I’m not.” My lips curled in a corny grin.
She wrapped something around my wrist and held my hand in hers. “There. Open your eyes.”
I did and glanced down in surprise.
“I made you a new bracelet that fits your wrist.” I was awestruck by the leather band with assorted craft beads. She remembered. It was the most thoughtful thing anyone had ever done for me.
“I love it, Corazón.” I shoved my chair back and crushed her in my arms and lifted her up as she curled her legs around me. “I fucking love you.”
“Awww,” all three guys crooned at the same time.
“I love you too. My Roman. My everything.” She nestled her head under my chin with a palm covering my heart.
Without hesitation, I carried her off to the bedroom among the applause of my friends who were being assholes again, but I didn’t mind. At the end of the day, they were happy for me. They weren’t perfect but were the best friends a guy could ask for.
But what was perfect was the girl in my arms.
I would spend the rest of my days cherishing her. Forever.
The End
Want to know more about Roman and Theo?
You will see more of them in the Boys on the Hill series, book #2 Dear Nicholas
“Love Interruption” by Jack White
“Love Is Not Enough” by Nine Inch Nails
“HIGHEST IN THE ROOM” by Travis Scott
“Pimpf” by Depeche Mode
“Who Am I” by Arty, NK
“Unfuckwittable” by Kid Cudi
“Hands Around My Throat” by Death in Vegas”
“Love Song” by Duke Dumont
“Sonata No.14 in C/M (Moonlight Sonata)” by Depeche Mode
“Stronger” by Arty feat. Ray Dalton
“Therapy” by Duke Dumont
“Twist” by Thom Yorke
“Dirge” by Death in Vegas
“Glorious” by Arty feat. Blondfire
“Midnight City” by M83
Thank you to my family—my husband, my daughter, and my mom. You have been so patient with me throughout this journey and so supportive. Thanks for putting up with me. Okay, was it really that much of a hardship? JK, I love you all.
Maria Hernández—Thank you for your support since day one.
Sue—I can’t even begin to explain how much you mean to me. Not only are you an amazing person, but you’re also a mind-blowing beta reader. You make my story better and are always available to hash out plot issues. Thank you for reading and rereading chapters over and over whenever I have doubts. I couldn’t do this without you. I will always be humbled by your selfless support, and I’m so blessed to have you in my life. Thank you for everything you do for me.
Maria Howard—Thank you for being an incredible beta, and giving me valuable advice. It takes a village to create this baby, and I couldn’t do this without you. You are amazing and always willing to help. I’m forever grateful.
A million thanks to Bex Harper Designs for designing my beautiful cover. As always, your work blows me away. Your patience and kindness are truly astounding.
I can’t thank Marla Esposito enough for editing my manuscript. Your work is impeccable. And thank you for being flexible with your schedule. You’re a lifesaver!
Thank you Tami at Integrity Formatting for your patience and awesome work.
Thank you so, so much Sarah Grim Sentz aka Musings of the Modern Belle for creating gorgeous teasers. You make me look good.
Thank you Books and Moods for all of your fab promo and making beautiful teasers. Your work is awesome and are so easy to work with.
To the following amazing authors who I’m so blessed to call friends—Alexis Rae, Carmel Rhodes, Danielle James, Erica Marselas, Gemini Jensen, Harlow Layne, Helen Wilder, Jeanette Emerson, Kelsey Cheyenne, Melissa Ryann, and Q. B. Tyler. I’m so thankful I found you and have learned so much from all of you. I love you.
A special thanks to my amazing street team: Sue, Maria, Chayo, Geynar, Karen, Kylee, Charlene, Elena, Kelly, Leslie, Andrea, Rhonda, and Brandilyn.